Editorial
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World J Diabetes. Oct 15, 2013; 4(5): 162-164
Published online Oct 15, 2013. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v4.i5.162
Are diabetic patients being screened for sleep related breathing disorder?
Salim Surani
Salim Surani, Department of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Aransas Pass, TX 78366, United States
Author contributions: Surani S solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Salim Surani, MD, MPH, MSHM, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Texas A&M University, 1177 W Wheeler Ave, Suite 1, Aransas Pass, TX 78366, United States. srsurani@hotmail.com
Telephone: +1-361-8857722 Fax: +1-361-8507563
Received: June 18, 2013
Revised: August 10, 2013
Accepted: August 16, 2013
Published online: October 15, 2013
Processing time: 121 Days and 8.5 Hours
Abstract

Prevalence of both diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high among general population. Both of these conditions are associated with significant morbidity. OSA affects approximately 25% of men and 9% of women, and its prevalence is even higher among obese, Hispanics, African American and diabetic patients. Diabetes on the other hand besides having high prevalence in general population has even higher prevalence among ethnic populations as Hispanics and African American. Despite the availability of several simple screening tools for OSA, as Berlin questionnaire, STOP-BANG questionnaire, NAMES Criteria, the utility for screening of OSA among the diabetic population remains marginal. This in turn can lead to significant morbidity and complications related to OSA as well as worsening of diabetes mellitus and increase in diabetic complications due to untreated sleep related breathing disorder. It is therefore imperative for the primary care giver to screen for OSA among the diabetic population as a part of their routine evaluation to prevent worsening of diabetes, and its cardiovascular, renal, ophthalmologic and neurological complications.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus; Obstructive sleep apnea screening; Obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome

Core tip: There is higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among diabetic population; if undiagnosed and untreated can cause increase in diabetic complications. Primary care giver should routinely screen for OSA among diabetic patients as a part of their routine evaluations.